Ventilated rainwear



1967 s. w. LUDWIKOWSKI v 3,296,626

VENT'ILATED RAINWEAR Filed Jan. 27, 1965 INVENTOR SDI/VLF) If.Ll/UIW/(WS/(l ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,296,626 VENTILATEDRAINWEAR Stanley W. Ludwikowski, P.O. Box 20962, Pico Heights Station,Los Angeles, Calif. 90006 Filed Jan. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 428,428 7Claims. (Cl. 2-87) The present invention generally relates to improvedrainwear, and particularly to dress rainwear having improved appearanceand comfort.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my pending application,Serial No. 234,102, filed October 30, 1962 and now Patent No. 3,213,465.

Garments conventionally used as rainwear are subject to a number ofdeficiencies, which modern designs and construction have failed tosatisfactorily overcome. The most common difficulty encountered withcompletely moisture proof types of rainwear is their lack of style andshape retention. Such rainwear is not initially attractive in appearanceand tends to depreciate in appearance upon continued use. It becomesbaggy and shapeless unless made of relatively heavy material. Suchrainwear is limitedin use to hats, boots and raincoats or so-calledponchos. It is characterized by a further failing, in that since it ismoisture impervious, it is very uncomfortable to wear, i.e. it does notallow normal evaporation of body moisture to take place and accordinglythe wearer becomes overheated. This is true even if the completelymoisture proof rainwear is relatively thin. Such rainwear is usuallyprovided with air holes, at the armpits, for example, in raincoats, butthese are wholly inadequate to overcome this deficiency. Thus, itemsprimarily sold as rainwear and which use materials which are trulyimpermeable to moisture are subject to deficiencies both as toappearance and comfort. Such items are not suitable for long andcontinued use as apparel nor even temporary use as dress apparel and,accordingly, do not satisfy the need which arises on many occasions whena dress garment must present a satisfactory appearance but must be wornunder conditions of heavy moisture.

Ordinary waterproofed outer garments of the so-called moisture-repellanttype are not satisfactory because their water repellancy has limitedeffectiveness. \Nhen such garments are cleaned they must be treated torestore their moisture repellancy. Moreover, such garments inevitablywet through when exposed to heavy rain conditions and not only fail toprotect the wearer but additionally become misshapen and unsightly inappearance. Use of such garments has mainly been limited to raincoats,hats and the like.

Accordingly, there exists a real need for a wide variety of rainwearwhich not only effectively protects the wearer from moisture over longperiods of time without special reprocessing, but also provides afinished and highly attractive appearance and is comfortable during use.It is also highly desirable that such improved rainwear be capable ofbeing utilized as finished dress wear, e.g. suits, dresses, sweaters,raincoats, outer footwear, umbrellas and the like.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvedtypes of rainwear.

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved dressrainwear.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide awater-impermeable garment construction which has attractiveshape-retaining appearance and which is comfortable to wear.

It is another object of the present invention to provide improved dressrainwear capable of remaining water-impermeable during long-continuedexposure to rain, which rainwear is further capable of being fabricatedinto the "ice form of dress garments, such as suits, dresses, sweatersand the like having shape-retaining characteristics.

Another object is to provide means for holding the outer fabric of thegarment away from the wearers body in certain areas and provide ventsfor ingress of fresh air and egress of heated air from the spacesbetween the outer fabric and the wearers body.

These and other objects are attained in dress rainwear by usingpre-shaped distender members which in certain shape-retaining areas holdthe garment away from the body and yet provide a shapely outerappearance. The disposition of the distender or spacing members incombination with the use of free venting windows in other areas of thegarment permit ingress of fresh air under the garment and egress ofheated air therefrom, and insures the comfort of the wearer.

In a preferred example of this type of construction, pliant distendermeans are disposed in the principal shapeimparting support regions ofupper and lower rainwear garments which are externally cut incontemporary fashion to provide the finished attractive appearance ofconventional wearing apparel. In a suit jacket or sweater, for example,these internal distending members may take the form of a pre-moldedplastic ribbed structure attached underneath the fabric portionconstituting the jacket shoulders. In the lower garment portions, suchas pants and skirts, the internal spacing elements may be preformedplastic channel members of pliant material having slotted or otherwiseperforated side walls.

Another feature of construction, in accordance with the invention, isthe use of a composite woven fiber construction consisting of a blend ofa large proportion of synthetic and natural fibers, so selected, blendedand woven as to provide a superior combination of attractiveness andresistance to moisture. Further aspects of the construction, inaccordance with the invention, relate to the use of semi-rigid louvresand semi-rigid netting material to provide superior ventilation andcooling to assure comfort for the wearer.

A better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to thefollowing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an example of adress rainwear garment in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts broken away to show the ribbedconstruction of the shoulder distender member;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-secti0nal view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of male dress rainwear apparel comprisingdress pants and jacket, showing further details of construction inaccordance with this invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing certain details ofconstruction of the upper part of the pants (or a female skirt);

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the channel distender memberused in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is an alternative distender member for use in this invention.

The dress rainwear in accordance with the invention may be provided in alarge number of forms, including those illustrated in the accompanyingfigures. The illustrative arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 is in the formof a sports turtle-neck sweater 10 of conventional overall appearancebut of substantially improved utility, in that it is completelywaterproof while still being comfortable, durable, inexpensive and ofattractive appearance.

The sweater can be fabricated of any suitable waterproof or essentiallymoisture-impermeable material 12, such as one comprising a mixture ofsynthetic and natural fibers, for example, approximately 50% Vinyon, aproduct of the American Viscose Company, and approximately 50% wool.Vinyon is a generic name for fiber formed of a long chain syntheticpolymer composed of at least 80 percent by weight of vinyl chlorideunits of the material.

Referring to FIG. 1, the outer covering 12 of the sweater would normallybe supported on the body of the wearer at the shoulders and wouldconform to the body shape. Since the material used is waterproof, thiswould severely reduce evaporation of moisture from the body in thatregion and the garment would soon be uncomfortable to wear. Through theuse of an intermediate layer comprising pre-molded flexible distender-s13 between the shoulder portion 14 of the garment and the shoulders ofthe wearer, in accordance with this invention, spacing is provided foradequate air circulation and, moreover, the sweater retains a pleasingconfiguration, even when subjected to heavy moisture conditions and longwear. The pre-molded shoulder distender 13 consists of a plurality ofspaced rib members 16 attached to a shoulder plate 17 which is contouredto define the shoulder of the garment, as more particularly shown inFIG. 2., being fabricated from semi-rigid but pliant material, such aspolyethylene plastic, or the like. The lower edges 18 of the ribs 16have an inner configuration conforming generally to the shoulder of theuser. The shoulder plate 17 is contoured to give sweater 10 a blocked ordraped shoulder appearance as desired. A lining 22 ofmoisture-permeable, open porous fabric or webbing is disposed on thelower edges 18 of the ribs 16 and is amxed at selected points to theinner side of outer covering 12 so as to hold the distender 13 inposition within sweater 10. The porous netting 22 thus maintains each ofthe ribs in position relative to the garment, although all of the ribsare free to move somewhat with the body of the user and without bindingor causing discomfort. An outwardly extending rim 20 is provided forsupporting the connecting seam of the sleeve of the garment. A pluralityof air circulating passageways are thus provided to maintain the wearerof sweater 10 in comfort.

On the breast area 26 of the sweater 10 there are provided pre-formedsemi-rigid plastic panels 27 of louvered construction, the overlappingflaps 28 of which extend outwardly and downwardly with slit openings forair circulation. The panels 27 may be adhesively or otherwise attachedto the margins of openings 29 provided in the outer fabric of thegarment, and the flaps 28 may or may not be covered with the fabric asdesired. Similar louvered panels 31 are provided in the fabric under thearms, where the flaps 30 may be of exposed plastic surfaces or these maybe covered with the outer fabric of the garment.

Sweater 10 and similar dress rainwear of the invention can be readilyand inexpensively fabricated by first assembling essentiallymoisture-impermeable outer covering into the desired size, shape andform, as by cutting and stitching in the usual manner, or cementing orwelding of the seams may be employed. The garment shape-retaining meanssuch as the ribbed shoulder distenders 16 can then be disposed adjacentthe inner side of the outer covering, and secured in place by thebacking material or webbing 22 forming the inner layer of the garment,webbing 22 being secured to the inner surface of the outer covering.

The described sweater construction has a number of advantages. Thesweater is rainproof, yet is held away from the body to allow aircirculation and body moisture evaporation, while permitting full freedomof movement to the user. Moreover, the sweater is of permanentattractive appearance and maintains its shape. In addition, the ribbedshoulder construction may be adapted for each size and style of sweaterso as to provide a natural styled shoulder line which is free of a bulkyappearance. It is to be noted that the same constructional features maybe utilized and applied in the suit jacket 32 of FIG. 5, as described inconnection with the turtleneck sweater 10 of FIG. 1.

Utilizing a similar construction, pants 34 of a like preferredessentially moisture-impermeable clothing material may also befabricated. Pants 34 are provided with an apertured channel-likewaistband distender 36, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The waistbanddistender 36 consists of a molded pliable plastic back wall 37, sidewalls 38 having apertures 39 and turned out flange edges 40. Thisstructure is equally applicable to the waistband of a skirt and providesmeans for circulation of air around the waist area. The waistbanddistender 36 may be fabricated of resilient, pliable, self-supportingpolyethylene or other plastic material and may be positioned betweenouter cov ering 34 and secured to an inner layer 42 of netting.Furthermore, inasmuch as suit jacket 32 adequately covers the sideregions 44 of the upper part 46 of pants 34, side regions 44 may bepaneled of open air-permeable netting 48, to aid circulation of air tothe wearer, as best seen in FIG. 6. The inner margin of the side regions44 may be terminated at the crease or pleat lines 45 of the pants, shownin FIG. 5, facilitating permanent creasing or pleating of the pants.Relatively large pants pockets 47 can be provided in regions 44. Pantspockets (not shown) can also be provided in the rear areas of the pantsof FIG. 3, and can be fabricated of air-permeable netting, as can theassociated back regions (not shown) normally covered by the jacket 32.Better wearing quality and comfort as well as increased utility canthereby be provided.

Air vents may be provided in forms additional to or in place of thoseillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. In this regard, decorative parallelabutting folds 50 formed from the outer covering or formed fromdifferent clothing material secured to the inner side of the outercovering material, as by an inner layer of netting 52, may be provided,for example in jacket 32, with air passageways 51 therein to facilitateair circulation through jacket 32. If desired, folds 50 can be backedwith an inner layer of netting 52, as indicated.

It will be further understood that the garment shaperetaining means inthe dress rainwearof the invention can also be fabricated of the folds50, in place of or in addition to the ribbed members 16. Such folds 50can be formed from the outer covering of the garment or from separatecloth material or the like disposed as an intermediate or inner layer.In such instance, it is preferred to back the folds with an inner layerof air-permeable support material, as shown in FIG. 8. Moreover, if thefolds are formed from the outer covering, they can be interconnectedadjacent the outer surfaces thereof so that the outer covering providesan essentially smooth and continuous surface of attractive appearance,such as is indicated in the shoulder region of jacket 32 in FIG. 5.

The folds can be incorporated during or after primary assembling of theouter covering into the desired size and shape for the dress rainwear.The backing, if any, can then be secured into position to provide thefinished garment.

Where the word netting is used herein, it includes molded pliableplastic sheets having a foraminous struc ture.

It will be understood that rainwear in the forms of caps or hats canalso be fabricated to incorporate features of the invention. Forexample, a hat can be constructed to incorporate a ventilated sweatbandgenerally similar to waistband distender 36 and including a plurality ofvent openings 39.

The garment shape-retaining distender means and air venting means can beincorporated into suitable apparel such as formal wear for improvedappearance and comfort. Thus, for example, the ribbed members 16 can beused in male evening wear to develop and retain a desired tailoredappearance to the shoulder region of the formal wear. In addition, ventsmay be provided in concealing decoratively designed panels disposed onthe garments in the breast regions 26 to assure adequate bodyventilation during use of the wearing apparel under hot and/ or moistconditions. Very lightweight clothing can be used in the constructionwhile still assuring shape retention in accordance with the invention.

Accordingly, means are provided whereby improved male and female wearcan be constructed to ready-made or special tailor-made patterns and invarious sizes to match or coordinate with other garments while providinga maximum of comfort, attractiveness, durability and resistance to theelements.

While there have been described above and illustrated in the Figuresvarious forms of dress rainwear which provide a high degree ofprotection against moisture, attractive permanent appearance and comfortfor the wearer and a method of fabricating the same, it will beappreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, theinvention should be considered to include all modifications, variationsand alternative forms falling within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A two-piece garment for wear during rainy weather consisting of acoat-like upper piece supported from the shoulders of the wearer and alower piece supported by and depending from the waist of the wearer,said upper piece partly overlapping said lower piece and having louvredegress vents in the upper front portion thereof; each of said garmentpieces having an outer covering of essentially moisture-impermeablematerial; shape-retaining air-circulating distender means attachedinside said outer covering of said lower piece in the areas whichnormally make said supporting contact with the body of the wearer and inthe area which is overlapped by said upper piece; and a plurality ofvent means in the areas adjacent said distended portions of said outercovering for the ingress of fresh air and the egress of body-heated airfrom the space between said outer covering and the body of the wearer.

2. A two-piece garment for wear during rainy weather as defined in claim1 in which the coat-like upper piece is provided under each shoulderportion of said outer covering with an attached air-circulating moldedpliable plastic distender means comprising a shoulder plate withspacer-ribs attached to the underside surface of said plate, and opennetting attached to the lower edges of said spacer ribs, and nettingbeing adapted to rest on the shoulders of the wearer.

3. A two-piece garment for wear during rainy weather as defined in claim1, in which the lower garment piece is provided under the waistline areaof said outer covering with an attached air-circulating shape-retainingdistender means comprising a molded channel-like pliable plastic memberhaving apertures in the channel side-walls,

and an open netting attached to the open face of said channel-likemember, said netting adapted to abut the body of the wearer at thewaistline.

4. A two-piece garment for wear during rainy weather as defined in claim1, in which the coat-like upper piece is provided under each shoulderportion of said outer covering with an attached air-circulating moldedpliable plastic distender means comprising a shoulder plate withspacer-ribs attached to the underside surface of said plate, and opennetting attached to the lower edges of said spacer ribs, said nettingbeing adapted to rest on the shoulders of the wearer; and in which atleast a portion of said vent means consists of molded louvred panelsattached over openings in said outer covering in the chest area.

5. A two-piece garment for wear during rainy weather as defined in claim1, in which the lower garment piece is provided under the waistline areaof said outer covering with an attached air-circulating shape-retainingdistender means comprising a molded channel-like pliable plastic memberhaving apertures in the channel side-walls, and an open netting attachedto the open face of said channellike member, said netting abutting thebody of the wearer at the waistline; and in which at least a portion ofsaid vent means consists of open netting panels attached over openingsin said outer covering in the thigh area which is overlapped by saidupper piece garment.

6. A twopiece garment for wear during rainy weather as defined in claim1, in which the coat-like upper piece is provided under each shoulderportion of said outer covering with a fabricated distender meanscomprising a panel of parallel abutting tubular folds of fabric attachedto a backing fabric.

7. A raincoat comprising an outer cover of essentiallymoisture-impermeable clothing material; shape-retaining air circulatingdistender means attached inside said outer covering in the areas whichnormally make supporting contact with the body of the wearer; and aplurality of vent means in areas adjacent said distended portions of theouter covering for the ingress of fresh air and the egress ofbody-heated air from the space between said outer covering and the bodyof the wearer; in which said distender means includes under eachshoulder portion of said outer covering an attached air circulatingmolded pliable plastic distender comprising a shoulder plate withspacer-ribs attached to the underside surface of said plate, and opennetting attached to the lower edges of said spacer ribs, said nettingbeing adapted to rest on the shoulders of the wearer; and in which atleast a portion of said vent means consists of cut-out openings in saidouter cover in the chest area, and molded louvred panels attached oversaid openings.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,851,390 9/1958Chavannes M 2-87 X FOREIGN PATENTS 13,456 1888 Great Britain. 8,248 1890Great Britain. 19,421 1890 Great Britain.

JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner.

R. J. SCANLAN, IR., Examiner.

1. A TWO-PIECE GARMENT FOR WEAR DURING RAINY WEATHER CONSISTING OF ACOAT-LIKE UPPER PIECE SUPPORTED FROM THE SHOULDERS OF THE WEARER AND ALOWER PIECE SUPPORTED BY AND DEPENDING FROM THE WAIST OF THE WEARER,SAID UPPER PIECE PARTLY OVERLAPPING SAID LOWER PIECE AND HAVING LOUVREDEGRESS VENTS IN THE UPPER FRONT PORTION THEREOF; EACH OF SAID GARMENTPIECES HAVING AN OUTER COVERING OF ESSENTIALLY MOISTURE-IMPERMEABLEMATERIAL; SHAPE-RETAINING AIR-CIRCULATING DISTENDER MEANS ATTACHEDINSIDE SAID OUTER COVERING OF SAID LOWER PIECE IN THE AREAS WHICHNORMALLY MAKE SAID SUPPORTING CONTACT WITH THE BODY OF THE WEARER AND INTHE AREA WHICH IS OVERLAPPED BY SAID UPPER PIECE; AND A PLURALITY OFVENT MEANS IN THE AREAS ADJACENT SAID DISTENDED PORTIONS OF SAID OUTERCOVERING FOR THE INGRESS OF FRESH AIR AND THE EGRESS OF BODY-HEATED AIRFROM THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID OUTER COVERING AND THE BODY OF THE WEARER.